Privacy advocates are issuing warnings about a new radio
chip plan that ultimately could provide electronic identification for every adult in the U.S. and allow agents to compile attendance lists at anti-government rallies simply by walking through the assembly.
The proposal, which has earned the support of Janet Napolitano, the newly chosen chief of the Department of Homeland Security, would embed radio chips in driver's licenses, or "enhanced driver's licenses."
The microchip system opens a long list of disturbing questions. Who would access the data base? Could data be collected on legal activities?
With a microchip system it would be possible to look at someone's driver's licence without them even knowing it. It is essentially good will alone that would prevent the misuse of a microchip data base by those interested in monitoring government opponents.
What is further disheartening is that Janet Napoliano, who had previously opposed "big brother" technology is supporting this attack on freedom and privacy. It seems that a cabinet appointment is enough to make her sell out on her previous commitment to privacy.
We are being sold the idea of microchips in driver's licences as a measure against terrorism. Despite this stated concern, our border with Mexico is riddled with holes. Illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and even terrorists are able to cross our borders at will.
The technology exists to seal our border, to reduce to a trickle what is now a flood of illegal entry into the US. Why are the freedoms of born citizens being eroded while the freedom to sneak into the US remains unchallenged?
We are being asked to chip away at our basic freedoms. Crises facing our country are being used to promote destructive agendas, from an exorbitant bailout with no assurance of success to attemtpts to institute monitoring systems such as the driver's licence microchip.
Not only are there civil liberties issues. The attempt to make microchips a federal requirement is diminishing the authority of the states as told to talk show host Katherine Albrecht by Michigan State Representative Paul Opsommer.
"Look, I am all in favor of only giving drivers licenses to U.S. citizens or people that are otherwise here in this country legally," Opsommer said, "But we are already doing that in Michigan. We accomplished that without an EDL, as has virtually every other state via their own state laws.
"But just because we choose to only issue our license to U.S. citizens does not mean that our licenses should somehow then fall under federal control. It's still a state document, we are just controlling who we issue them to. But under the EDL program, the Department of Homeland Security is saying that making sure illegals don't get these is not enough. Now you need the chip to prove your citizenship,"
In business, one is always advised to use caution when hearing phrases like "Time is limited." or "Don't delay". The Obama administration has waged attacks on our fiscal solvency and on our civil liberties. Everything is being done in the name of pressing national interests. We need to be vey cautious when permanent and irreversible changes are being contemplated by our government.
The microchip plan is very disturbing. It needs public scrutiny and open debate. I believe that it is dangerous. It should be stopped.
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